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Wellington is New Zealand's centre of government and the world's southernmost capital city. It is also the country's cultural capital, third most populous urban area in New Zealand and home to many museums, theatres and arts festivals.

Outdoor Concerts a Continuing Success

30 January 2014

The Gardens Magic concerts attracted tens of thousands of Wellingtonians to the Soundshell this summer.

Gardens Magic is the annual concert series at the Botanic Garden Soundshell. The programme of free performances is at the heart of the Summer City festival, and is a highlight of summer in the capital.

Over a three-week period in January, and in spite of changeable weather, more than 40,000 Wellingtonians turned out for a taste of what makes summer in the city special.

"Wellingtonians love a party. We love music and art and dance, and we especially love a shared experience. We understand that if you are lucky enough to live in a creative place, then you have to support your artists,” says Councillor Paul Eagle. “Gardens Magic is the perfect opportunity to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces at the same time as seeing new and established performers in action.”

Bookended by local legends the Warratahs and the critically-acclaimed Orchestra Wellington, the line-up of performers included everything from Maori showbands, indie-pop duos and country crooners to Afro-Cuban jazz, New Orleans swing and Beatles covers.

The Soundshell was even more enchanting than usual, with a lighting installation illuminating the gardens in stunning jewel-like colours. Designed by AV specialist Ian Hammond who worked closely with the expert team at MJF Lighting, UV flowers and moon-like globes hung from trees, and the duck pond waterfall turned to molten gold.

The season also included two daytime events for children; the Teddy Bears’ Tea Party and the Big Top, supported by Tip Top Popsicle. With crowds at capacity even on a postponement date, these new events are set to become permanent fixtures on the Gardens Magic schedule.

Thanks, Wellington for helping make the magic!

Summer City continues until the end of March and there are still a huge number of fantastic events to come including Te Rā o Waitangi, Sevens Wellington, the Fringe Festival, Dragon Boating and Films by Starlight.

Summer City 2014 – the full programme

The Summer City festival is full of free concerts and major community, sports and cultural events. To see the complete listing of events: Events Calendar